School Dog
Meet our school dog
Pippa
Pippa is a Springador (Labrador cross Springer Spaniel).
Pippa belongs to Mr Owen, Assistant Headteacher, and he will be the main point of contact for any dog-related questions. Pippa lives with Mr Owen and his family.
Interacting with animals has the potential to provide many positive benefits for children, although we do understand that it is not appropriate for all. We will always be sensitive to individual pupil's preferences when it comes to meeting or being around Pippa. Any parent/carer who does not wish their child to interact with Pippa are invited to write to Mr Owen, via Epraise or letter, to inform him of their wishes.
Permission for your child to have some contact with the school dogs will be presumed if no written communication to Mr Owen is received.
Please also ensure your child’s medical record is up-to-date and the school office has been made aware of any allergies.
Here are some of the positive effects of having a school dog:
-
A calming effect on pupils, particularly those who may be having social and emotional difficulties;
- Encouraging expression and participation in more withdrawn children;
- Fostering a sense of responsibility;
- Increasing enthusiasm for and enjoyment of animals which will motivate the children to think and learn;
- Teaching children to nurture and respect life;
- Helping work undertaken with the most vulnerable children and educational improvements with low achievers;
- Helping children build confidence in reading;
- Improving attendance.
Pippa will have a safe quiet space in Mr Owen's office to rest and spend time with pupils who may need it. Whilst moving around the school, she will be kept on a lead and will always be with a member of staff.
Please see below, a link to a site with further information, should you wish to know more about the benefits.
https://www.nationalschooldogalliance.co.uk/
School Dog Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the legal owner of the dogs and who pays for their costs?
The legal owner of the dogs will be Mr Owen; He will bear the costs associated with owning the dog; the school budget will support insurance.
Will the dogs be from reputable breeders?
Yes. The dog was purchased from reputable breeders. Mr Owen visited the puppies in their homes and both parents were seen.
Has a risk assessment been undertaken?
Yes, a full risk assessment is in place, which will be reviewed regularly. We have carefully considered having dogs in school and sought advice from many sources, including other schools that successfully have a school dog.
Who is responsible for training?
Mr Owen will be the legal owner of the dog and as a result, will be responsible for her training.
How will their welfare be considered?
The dog will be walked regularly and given free time outside. They have their own space in Mr Owen's office where they will not be disturbed by pupils. The dog will be carefully trained over a period of time and will have unlimited access to food and water. We will work carefully to ensure their welfare is always considered and will remove them from the school environment if we feel they are unhappy.
How will this be managed where children have allergies?
Pupils will not need to touch the dog, which will relieve the possibility of allergic reactions. We already manage a number of allergies at school and this will be no different for pupils and adults that are allergic to dogs. Individual needs will always be met and we are happy to work with parents to put additional control measures in place for individual allergies. Any pupils with allergies to dogs will be built into the risk assessment as they are made known to the school.
My child is frightened of dogs; how will you manage this?
Access to the dog will be carefully managed and supervised and children do not need to have close contact with her if this has been expressed by parents. We hope to work closely with parents of children who are fearful of dogs to alleviate their fear and to teach them how to manage this.
Will other school dogs be allowed in school?
Allowing a dog onto the school site can only be approved by the Headteacher and for educational purposes. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We hope Pupils will gain a great deal of enjoyment from having school dog. In the meantime, please see our school dog policy and full risk assessment, which are reviewed regularly. If at any point, it comes to light that the dog does not actively enjoy life in the school environment, they will no longer attend.